Keplr vs Status: Cosmos Multichain vs Private EVM Suite
Keplr is a self-custodial wallet launched in 2021 by Chainapsis that supports nearly 350 blockchains, centered around the Cosmos ecosystem and Inter-Blockchain Communication. Status is an open-source, non-custodial wallet and encrypted messaging application founded in 2017 by Status Research and Development GmbH, dedicated strictly to Ethereum and EVM Layer-2 rollups like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base.
Network scope and core tools mark the primary dividing line. Chainapsis built Keplr to interface with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of Cosmos app-chains, pairing integrated validator staking and Ledger Nano X hardware support with an in-app 0.75% swap markup. In contrast, Status rejects non-EVM chains entirely, pairing EVM asset storage with metadata-private messaging and contactless Keycard hardware integration. Keplr runs on mobile and browsers across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Status adds native desktop clients for Windows and macOS to its mobile and Chrome extension software.
Quick verdict
The dividing factor comes down to ecosystem reach and application design. Keplr spans broad multichain territory across almost 350 networks, providing native IBC transfers, chain governance, and multisig treasury management for Cosmos, Bitcoin, and EVM users. Status narrows its focus to the EVM environment, combining decentralized asset custody with end-to-end encrypted messaging and desktop availability.
Choose Keplr if you trade or stake across Cosmos app-chains, manage validator voting, or coordinate shared accounts through beta multisig tooling while accepting a 0.75% fee on in-wallet swaps.
Choose Status if you require metadata-private communications alongside an EVM wallet, prefer contactless Keycard hardware cards, trade strictly on Ethereum and Layer-2 rollups like Arbitrum and Base, or run a desktop operating system like Linux or macOS.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.1/5 | 4.0/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Chain support | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Privacy | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | Not disclosed | No |
| Wallet type | Mobile, Browser extension, Web | Mobile, Browser extension, Desktop |
| Custody | Self-custodial | Self-custodial |
| Chains | Ethereum, Bitcoin, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Cosmos, Other | Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Other |
| Platforms | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Chrome, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware wallet support | Yes | Yes |
| In-app swaps | Yes | Yes |
| Staking | Yes | Not disclosed |
| NFT support | Yes | Yes |
| Buy crypto in app | Yes | Yes |
| WalletConnect | Yes | Yes |
| Security features | Hardware wallet integration, 24-word seed phrase, Self-custody | Keycard hardware wallet integration, Peer-to-peer messaging encryption, Local key storage, Device-level transaction confirmation |
| Recovery without a seed phrase | Not disclosed | No |
| Multisig | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Built-in dApp browser | Yes | Yes |
| Swap fee | 0.75% | Not disclosed |
| Perpetuals trading | Not disclosed | No |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2021 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Investors | Binary Builders, Coinbase Ventures | Not disclosed |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Cosmos and IBC users, Multichain staking, DAO treasury teams | Privacy-focused Ethereum ecosystem users, Traders using EVM Layer 2 networks, Communities using token-gated chat rooms |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Which chains do Keplr and Status support?
Keplr connects to nearly 350 networks, including Cosmos IBC app-chains, Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Avalanche. Status supports only EVM networks, focusing on Ethereum Mainnet and Layer-2 networks such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Linea, and Robinhood chain.
Does Keplr charge higher swap fees than Status?
Keplr applies a 0.75% markup on exchange rates for in-app swaps. Status routes cross-chain transfers through its swap and bridge tool by deducting network gas and route tolls directly from the bridged amount without adding an app software fee.
Which hardware wallets work with Keplr and Status?
Keplr integrates with Ledger hardware devices such as the Ledger Nano X. Status pairs with Keycard, a contactless smart card device used to authorize mobile transactions and store keys.
Can Status interact with Cosmos or Bitcoin?
No, Status does not support Bitcoin, Cosmos, Solana, or other non-EVM blockchains. Users needing direct access to Bitcoin or Cosmos IBC networks require a wallet like Keplr.